It is becoming clear, from the growing body of research, that the environment plays a significant role in our ability to function, to cope and to engage with the world around us. The role of restorative garden design is expanding, relieving the stresses associated with dis-functional family situations where psychological and physical abuse is pervasive.   There is also growing movement to look at the natural environment as a place of adventure and exploration where children can develop and refine their motor skills, enhance self confidence and refine basic social skills while learning about their natural world. Research evidence supports the value of interaction with nature to reduce stress, provide emotional support and enhance physical development. These important spaces are particularly valuable in urban settings, like Guatemala City where natural parks are rare and home life for many children causes abnormally high stress levels.

The 25,000 SF site is a former garbage dump that has been purchased by Camino Seguro for development as a park. We have partnered with Camino Seguro/Safe Passage to design and build a park that will offer vocational training, recreation opportunities, environmental learning and a therapeutic environment for the children who live in the surrounding squatter settlements.  The clients (children and staff) will be included in the design process.

The Guatemala Studio is an ongoing project consiting of five phases over several years. The first phase, an entry sequence for the park, was completed as a design/build studio in Summer 2006. Phase one included a gathering plaza, entry arbor and swings, two sensory gardens and a children’s garden, see the gallery for images.  Safe Passage was very enthusiastic with the success of this phase and has asked the program to come back and complete phase two, an adventure play area for the pre-school that is located on the site. Phase two, fall quarter 2007, created an adventure playgarden for preschool age children. Phase three in winter quarter 2009 will establish a family community garden, phase four will build an outdoor classroom and sensory garden, with the final phase creating a vocational school and roof garden.